The Watchman

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Dear Reader,

This is a highly experimental work, which began as a free-writing session and has evolved into something I am starting to take more seriously. The plot premise was originally an idea for a subplot in my other post-apocalypse novel, "Invalid Item" , but I felt that it was too big to be a subplot and therefore deserved a separate item dedicated to it.

I think the best way to approach this work is not to think of it as anything conventional, such as a novel or novella with traditional chapters, but rather as a series of what I call "sketches" – each a layer, a kind of brushstroke that paints another angle of character, plot, setting and theme onto a bigger picture.

The narrative takes shape as the voice of Fynn, a Watchman, and the ambiguity and mystery of his profession and character are gradually unveiled to reveal secrets and philosophies in a diary-like approach to a new science fiction world.

If you can imagine yourself sitting down face to face with a troubled, memory-laden man who only mutters his story in broken snatches of coherence and occasionally stands up to pace the room without finishing his sentence, then you are close to the impression I am intending my readers to receive.

Of course, I appreciate any feedback you are able to give so that I can form an impression of this work through the reader's eyes. And I don't expect you to like it (you have no obligations in that department!) although of course I'll be glad if you do.

I hope you enjoy (or at least are provoked to some kind of reaction, even if it is annoyance, amusement or despair ).

Sincerely,
the Author

Firstly, my sincere thanks for spending time with my work and going out of your way to offer feedback and suggestions.

Some reviewers have made legitimate criticisms, which I have taken into account and plan to make changes on when I return to edit this book. (For now, however, I would like to focus on the drafting process ahead.)

Some of these points are:

The "chapters" are very short. Although this has been done deliberately, I understand the need to flesh them out more, and will work on this in the edits.
The flashbacks come too early and seem disconnected. When I start editing, I will shift them further into the story and make them more relevant.
Physically, living underground without sunlight and fresh air, yet still remaining healthy, is nearly impossible for humans. If you read on, I intend to address this later on in the book, with what I hope are realistic solutions.
Fragmented writing style. Short sentences can place too much emphasis on things that don't need emphasizing. I understand this and I'm working to improve it and use my short sentences carefully. However, please keep in mind that this is all very experimental and I'm trying to create a unique yet natural, flowing style.
Concerning the "chapter" titles, they are supposed to be simply numbered (i.e. 1, 2, 3). However, the Writing.Com book item does not allow subject lines less than 3 characters in length. So, for those of you who are curious, I am using each number's Latin translation. These are not in the manuscript.

Finally, I am grateful for any and all suggestions. It's also the perfect time for them, since I am still writing the book and I'm looking for ways to improve later "chapters". I am overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response this book has received, and the interest and growing audience it has gained. I plan to continue writing it this year and hopefully have the first draft finished by January/February 2016, and then start over with edits.

Thank you for considering my work worthy of your time and energy.

Happy reading!

A huge thank you to Jaeff | KBtW of the Free Folk for the awesome awardicon!

A special thanks to Jaeff | KBtW of the Free Folk and Maryann - House Martell for their super helpful and encouraging reviews.
Thanks also to reviewers ember_rain, Lox~back, but all new! , The prodigal son returns 2023. , GeminiGem of House Lannister , amy-Has a great future ahead and Earthenware_Haven who have each provided another perspective through their constructive feedback.